The Vikings recently saved some money by restructuring three contracts. But they're continuing to spend.

Minnesota on Saturday agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract to re-sign guard Charlie Johnson. Johnson, who made $2.45 million last season, confirmed in a text message to the Pioneer Press he has "an agreement for me to go back to Mn."

General manager Rick Spielman said Friday that bringing back Johnson, 29, for a fourth season was a priority.

"He's been on the Vikings for several years, so having that veteran presence helps," fullback Jerome Felton said.

It surfaced Saturday that Felton and linebacker Chad Greenway both recently agreed to restructure their contracts. Throw in a reworking on safety Jamarca Sanford's deal and the Vikings saved $2.25 million for next season.

The website Overthecap.com, which first reported all the contract restructurings, listed the Vikings as having $16.35 million remaining under the salary cap. But that does not take into consideration wide receiver Jerome Simpson re-signing Friday on a one-year deal and Johnson's impending contract, so the Vikings should be left with about $12 million.

The return of Johnson means the Vikings are in position to have the same starting offensive line for the third straight year because all offensive starters from last season will be under contract for 2014.

Johnson told the Pioneer Press on Tuesday "it would be ideal to return to" Minnesota. He had several other offers.

Spielman said Friday the Vikings aren't done in free agency. Felton hopes sacrifices made by the three players who restructured could help bring in extra talent for a team that went 5-10-1 last season.

"Players like Chad, Jamarca and myself, we've had a lot of success in a Vikings uniform," Felton said. "Two years ago, we had a great season and went to the playoffs. Last season left a bad taste in our mouths. We all want to win. Let's get it done. You might have to make a little sacrifice here and there."

Greenway's restructuring was not a surprise since he had an off year in 2013 while playing much of the season with a broken bone in his wrist.

Overthecap.com reported Greenway took a $1 million pay cut, reducing his 2014 salary to $5.5 million. The Vikings guaranteed him that entire amount for accepting the deal. His 2015 salary remains $7 million.

Felton said he reduced his 2014 salary by $500,000 to $1.45 million and in return got $200,000 of that salary guaranteed and the right to void 2015 on his deal, when he is due $2.45 million. He said he would make the $500,000 back in 2014 if he makes the Pro Bowl, something he did in 2012.

"I'll admit I wasn't thrilled when they came to me asked me to restructure," Felton said. "But I take it as a challenge. I'm not looking at it as a pay cut. I'm thinking I'm going to make it all back next year. ... I plan on being in (the Pro Bowl) next year.

"If I have a good year, then I have that option for 2015. And I at least have a starting point to hopefully extend my deal and stay in Minnesota until I retire."

Sanford said Friday he agreed to reduce his salary for 2014 by $750,000 to $1.7 million. In turn, the Vikings agreed to guarantee $400,000 of that salary and he can make up the $750,000 through playing-time incentives.

"My attitude is I'm a team player," Sanford said. "I hope it will help the team and help us get some more good players in here."

With the $2.25 million saved on three players, that already will pay the bulk of Johnson's contract for 2014.